… About Returning to Grand Cayman – Part 2

A lot of preparation had to be completed for our trip.  We had to pack items we would need.  I did research on the internet to discover what we were allowed and not allowed to take.  if we took anything along that we were not allowed to take, we would have to get rid of it. There were size limits of liquid items.  We knew there were stores on the island; so if we needed something we had not packed, we would be able to purchase whatever it might be. We would not be checking our luggage; but would be taking them on the plane with us.  So we were limited to the size of our luggage.  Therefore we were limited as to how much stuff we could take with us.  Top priority was our medications, next some clothes for warm weather and the clothes we would wear when we attended Worship Service on Sunday.  We also needed personal hygiene items.  I wanted to take some snacks to eat on the plane, some books to read, a notebook and pen, my phone and my camera. Finally, I wanted to take my computer; but I ended up leaving it behind.  I made a list of what we would be taking and checked it more than twice to make sure nothing would be left behind.  What a relief it was when our luggage and all our items passed inspection.  We had what we needed and we were allowed to take everything we had packed onto the plane. 

As I thought about our trip to Grand Cayman and returning to my childhood home, I thought 
about another trip all of us are taking, our trip to our final home, heaven.  Just as I learned what I would be allowed or not allowed to take on my trip to the island on the website, we can learn what we need and what is not allowed on our trip to heaven in God’s Word, the Bible.  We read in the Scriptures what clothes we should have – “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” (Colossians 3:12 NIV)  Certainly during these trying times with the coronavirus, we should be thinking about ways of showing “compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”  

Consider the words of the following song:
Try a Little Kindness  by Curt Sapaugh and Bobby Austin 

If you see your brother standing by the road 
With a heavy load from the seeds he's sowed
And if you see your sister falling by the way 
Just stop and say "You're going the wrong way"

Chorus:
You got to try a little kindness, yes show a little kindness 
Just shine your light for everyone to see 
And if you try a little kindness then you'll overlook the blindness 
Of narrow-minded people on the narrow-minded street

Don't walk around the down and out  Lend a helping hand insead of doubt
And the kindness that you show every day  Will help someone along their way
********

We also read in the Scriptures about things we should get rid of as we make our journey to heaven. “But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices.” (Colossians 3:8-9 NIV)  Reflect on the words of the following hymn: 

Take My Life by Frances R. Havergal,

Take my life, and let it be consecrated, Lord, to Thee. 
Take my moments and my days; let them flow in ceaseless praise.
Take my hands, and let them move at the impulse of Thy love.
Take my feet, and let them be swift and beautiful for Thee.

Take my voice, and let me sing always, only, for my King.
Take my lips, and let them be filled with messages from Thee.
Take my silver and my gold; not a mite would I withhold.

Take my intellect, and use every power as Thou shalt choose.

Take my will, and make it Thine; it shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart, it is Thine own; it shall be Thy royal throne.
Take my love, my Lord, I pour at Thy feet its treasure store.
Take myself, and I will be ever, only, all for Thee.

...About Encouraging Thoughts for Today - 001

You may remember the AT&T slogan, “Reach out and touch someone.”  I’d like to change it to “Reach out and touch Someone, Jesus.”   During these times of “social distancing,” we are being encouraged to stay 6’ from each other, don’t shake anyone’s hand and certainly don’t hug anyone.  I miss that.  I miss going to my church, I miss seeing my mother, my family members including my granddaughters, and my friends.  I am so grateful for modern technology.  I have been calling my mother every night on the telephone to make sure she is doing OK.  My husband, Wilbur celebrated his birthday on March 27^th.  Since we have been instructed to stay at home we were able to setup a video chat with our daughter, Melissa and her family.  I lit candles on a cake for Wilbur and we sang “Happy Birthday.” Just before midnight we had a long conversation with our daughter, Amy on the telephone. She was able to wish her dad a “Happy Birthday.”   Although we were happy to see and hear each other it just was not the same as if we were together in person.  

Social distancing has been going on for quite some time.  In Biblical times, leprosy was common.  Anyone who had it had to go around saying, “Unclean, unclean!”  They too were isolated from family and loved ones.  Ah, but then Jesus came.  He did NOT practice Social Distancing!  He reached out and touched others, bringing hope, comfort, healing and forgiveness to everyone.  Here are some words of the song, When Jesus Comes: 
            When Jesus Comes by Oswald Jeffrey Smith
Verse 3:  “Unclean! unclean!” the leper cried in torment, The deaf, the dumb, in  helplessness stood near; The fever raged, disease had gripped its victim, Then Jesus came and cast out every fear. 
Chorus:  When Jesus comes the tempter’s pow’r is broken; When Jesus comes the  tears are wiped away. He takes the gloom and fills the life with glory, For all is changed when Jesus comes to stay. 
We could replace the word “tears” with “fears” for Jesus can certainly wipe away our fears. Today, centuries after He walked this earth, we can reach out to Him.  He cares about us and He knows what we are going through. “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5 NIV.} "Don't you see He did all this for you!" He offers us hope, comfort, healing and forgiveness! Be encouraged by these words: 

Photos taken by Lela

Reach Out to Jesus by Ralph Carmichael 
Is your burden heavy as you bear it all alone 
Does the road you travel harbour danger yet unknown 
Are you growing weary in the struggle of it all
Jesus will help you when on His name you call

Chorus: He is always there, hearing every prayer, faithful and true Walking by our side, in His love we hide all the day through  When you get discouraged, just remember what to do  Reach out to Jesus, He's reaching out to you

Is the life you're living filled with sorrow and despair
Does the future press you with its worry and its care
Are you tired and friendless, have you almost lost your way Jesus will help you, just come to Him today

...About Returning to Grand Cayman – Part 1

A lot of preparation had to be completed for our trip.  Other than a couple of trips into Canada, Wilbur and I had not been out of the USA; so we had to apply for our passports. When we applied for them, we had to provide the original copies of our birth certificates.  As we turned them in, we were promised they would be mailed back to us.  When we got them back in the mail I texted the following to Melissa, “God and I got our birth certificates back today that they kept for doing our passports.”  After I send the message, I saw my mistake and sent Melissa the following, “ Opps Not God but Dad and I... What a typo!”

Melissa replied back, “I was thinking I know you have a close relationship with God but didn’t realize he was physically joining us! ....or that he’d need a passport if he was From the government..."

As I thought about Melissa’s comments, I could not help but think about God’s promises. “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” (Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV) As a gift for my birthday, a dear friend of mine gave me a copy of that verse (see pic below)   How awesome to know that God is always with us. He would be with us on our trip.  He did not need a passport!

I thought about all the times I have prayed to God and called out to Him, knowing that I serve a living God who hears and answers my prayers.  God has been with us and seen us through the good times as well as very difficult times. 

God blessed us with the birth of our daughters, Melissa and Amy. We had the joy of watching them become lovely young ladies.  And now we are getting to see our granddaughters do the same! Wilbur almost died when he was found with poisonous gas pouring into his face at one of his jobs and I was at death’s door when I needed emergency surgery over twenty-five years ago. “May the Lord bless you from Zion;... May you live to see your children’s children.” (Psalm 128:5-6 NIV)  We are truly blessed!  God protected us from serious injuries although we had many close calls as we traveled thousands and thousands of miles over the highways.  Once on his way to work, Wilbur was in a serious car accident. One evening on my way home from work, lighting stuck a tree that fell and hit my car.

Having a love of God’s great outdoors we have had awesome camping and hiking trips. We made day trips to state parks having picnics for our meals.  Surrounded by plenty of trees, we had the pleasure of numerous campfires and hotdog roasts on our property with family and friends.  We liked many visits to the shore, swimming in the ocean, walking on the beach, and collecting seashells.

For many years Wilbur worked with the teens at church and I the children.  Together Wilbur and I did drama and puppet skits.  Wilbur also did chalk drawings. Most significant for me was becoming a Certified Lay Minister.  Daddy loved to preach and now I am getting to do the same as I have filled in for many pastors either on vacation or medical or family leave.

God saw us through difficult circumstances - I have cried myself to sleep countless times. The loss of our first daughter, Jessica who was stillborn was so devastating. We also experienced the loss of many family members, Wilbur’s parents, my father, my grandparents, all my uncles and aunts, our brother-in-law (my twin sister’s first husband) and many friends.  We truly miss them and look forward to the day when we will walk with them on streets of gold.  God promised, “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” (Psalm 30:5 MEV) I truly believe that!  Wilbur went though several surgeries, on his back, neck and eyes and most recently on his diaphragm. Losing the sight in his right eye and having very limited sight in his left eye has been very daunting.  It was extremely hard for Wilbur to give up driving a car and to depend on me.  He loved to work with his hands. His hobbies included art work and making wooden and leather projects.  Having been an auto mechanic and maintenance man Wilbur has taught me how to do repairs on cars, changing break lining and rotors, serpentine belts, master cylinders, spark plugs, etc. splice electrical wire, change parts on our furnace, hang kitchen cabinets (I one from our kitchen to the bedroom all by myself!), hookup the washer, dryer and electric stove, install windows, cut and nail molding, etc.  I know how to use way too many of his tools!


As I have struggled to understand why we go through difficult situations, I turn to the Scriptures. They are clear in telling us that we will go through testing and trials. This side of heaven we may never understand why. But I keep looking to Jesus who provides us with sustaining grace!

... About Our 50th Wedding Anniversary Celebration

Wilbur and Lela - June 2019

Wilbur and I celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary on July 9^th of last year.  We enjoyed an overnight trip to Maryland and a lovely meal at a nice restaurant.  We did a lot of reminiscing and remembered a lot of good things that had happened.  God has been with us and
seen us though the good times as well as very difficult times.


Our daughter, Melissa wanted to do something special for us at the time; however due to the health issues Wilbur was having back then plans had to be postponed.  Eventually plans were finalized.  My life-long dream of returning to Grand Cayman would become a reality.  Melissa, Wilbur and I flew to my childhood home over the weekend of February 7, 2020.

Lela and Lena - on Grand Cayman

What an awesome privilege it was to return to the island and the first home that I remembered.  First on my to-do list was reconnecting with Rachel, my twin, Lena's and my nanny. Second was to worship in the church on the property where my daddy had preached.  Most important to me was interacting with the wonderful people who attend the church.


Years ago one of my former co-workers had vacationed on the island.  When I showed him some pictures of the island when my family had lived there, he told me that I would not want to go back, that the island had changed a lot.  He was wrong!  I did want to go back.  When the plane landed, tears of joy filled my eyes.  I was coming home!  When I saw Rachel and all the people in the church, my heart was filled with joy.  I was overwhelmed.  My visit to Cayman was far beyond what I had imagined. My heart is full of gratitude to Melissa and her husband, John for making the trip possible for Wilbur and me.

Over the next few weeks I will be writing about my trip. I invite you to embark with me on my trip of a life time as I share my thoughts and experiences.  Look for posts entitled “Returning to Grand Cayman – Part 1”, “Returning to Grand Cayman – Part 2”, etc.

... About Choices We Make

     Wilbur and I were checking out at a Wawa store. I handed the clerk one of my small cards that I had made.  On the front I had written "'I have loved you with an everlasting love' - God (Jeremiah 31:3)" On the back I have written “You're Someone Special! Jesus Loves You.” (see picture) It's an awesome truth that everyone needs to know. She took the time to read the card and when she read the front she said, “You mean I'm loved?” She turn the card over and said, “You mean I'm special? Wow I'm loved and I'm special! I really needed to know that.” She was so happy! I left the store rejoicing!

        As I thought about that incident, I thought about all the choices Wilbur and I had made so that we were in that Wawa at the same time when she was in the store. There were more choices than I can count. There were even choices that my daughter Melissa made, the career path that she had chosen, taking photos of scenery she saw in countries when she was on business trips, enlarging those photos into posters, and having those photos on display in her home. When I saw those beautiful  posters, I decided that I would give photography a try.  After all I love the outdoors and live in a beautiful part of the state of Pennsylvania. There were even choices that my father had made one of which was to tell most everyone he met that they were someone special that Jesus loved them. I decided that I needed to tell people the same awesome truth. 

      Several years ago, I had decided to make small business size cards with Christmas greeting messages on them to hand out two people I came in contact with at Christmas. Later I had decided that I should make similar cards to give out whenever I encountered someone and not just at Christmas. I have made lots of cards with lots of different sayings on the front and with “You’re Someone Special! Jesus Loves You!” on the back of most of them. I did that because I encounter some of the same people more than once in a month. I wanted to be able to give them a different card each time I see them. It was so neat when I handed a bank teller a card and she said, “I still have this one that you gave me.” She showed me the one I had given her before. Now she had two, each one different.   Lots and lots of people have responded in a positive way to the cards they have received.  Many have thanked me, have smiled, and seemed delighted.  Everyone who has ever gotten a card from me is prayed for!

      Anyway back to the incident at Wawa. A few weeks prior Wilbur and I had been at another Wawa. I had ordered hoagies for us using their touch screen. I recall telling Wilbur I didn't know what hoagie I had ordered for myself. We were headed for a picnic and I was driving so I knew I wouldn't find out until we were ready to eat. Much to my surprise my hoagie turned out to be a pepperoni hoagie. I do not like pepperoni and was at a loss as to how I ended up ordering a pepperoni hoagie. I wondered if there had been a glitch with the touch screen at the Wawa that I ended up with the pepperoni hoagie. Wilbur decided to trade hoagies with me. He declared the pepperoni hoagie was very, very good.  A few weeks later Wilbur and I decided to go for another picnic and Wilbur said he wanted to go back to Wawa and get another pepperoni hoagie. We went to a different Wawa. This time I knew I had ordered a pepperoni hoagie on the touch screen. The checkout clerk at that Wawa was the one who had responded in such a positive manner. So many choices that we had made led us to that moment, the choice to go on a picnic, the choice to go to Wawa, to buy a hoagie etc. My choices to get a camera, to take photos, to make cards, to write about God's love and that they are someone special, that Jesus loves them and then to hand them out. The choices we make can make all the difference in the world for someone else.  

      Here’s an example of another choice I had made. On Monday Wilbur had major surgery.  It had been a long day. I was on my way home from the hospital around 8:30 pm.  I needed to buy a few things from the store and was debating about stopping at Walmart. I just wanted to go home and crash; but I felt compelled to go to our local Walmart. I did my shopping, checked out at a self-checkout and headed toward the exit. One of the items I had bought was too big to fit in a shopping bag.  An employee who is a member of my church stopped me and said he had to check to see if I had paid for the item that was not bagged. I told him it was the first item on the slip. As he carried out his duties, he shared about a young man for whom we had been praying who has been battling cancer for some time. I tried to encourage him and then I suggested that we pray for this young man and his mother. So right there in Walmart I offered a prayer. The employee thanked me for  praying with him. I left the store thankful that I had stopped at Walmart. Although I was very tired, I was so glad I had gone out of my way. 

      When I had left the hospital, I thought about all the people who had been praying for Wilbur and me. I know we are truly blessed. I wondered how many patients didn't have anyone praying for them. I took a moment and offered a prayer for them. It had truly been a good day. I was able to lay my head down and sleep in peace because I knew I had heeded the leading of the Holy Spirit.

      I am reminded of the song, “People Need the Lord.”  Who do we pass by who needs to know that God loves them or that needs someone to pray for/with them?

... About Birthdays and Being a Twin

      On Tuesday, December 18th my twin sister, Lena and I celebrated our birthday. It was a lot of fun growing up being a twin.  We enjoyed the times that people had to guess who we were - who was Lena and who was Lela.  However, if people checked closely they could tell us apart. It was also fun when our children would get us mixed up. Lena's children would call me “mom” and my children would call her “mom” But confusing teaches at school and guys we dated was the most fun of all! The picture shown is when Lena and I had a fun day shopping, buying look-alike outfits and getting our picture taken 18 years ago for our 50th birthday. Lena says she does not tell anyone how old she is; so note I didn't tell how old she is now! LOL. It’s quite amazing that next June we plan to attend our 50th high school class reunion.  Boy, the time sure has gone by fast. I wonder how many of our former classmates will be able to tell us apart!

     I find something interesting about being a twin when Lena and I were small - when one of us did something naughty we never told on the other one and we both took the punishment; so there were times when I was punished for something I didn't do and she was punished for something I did that she didn't do. Now that I am older I am quite amazed as to why we would take the punishment for something we hadn't done. I decided that there's a sermon in that somewhere because isn't that what Jesus did for us when he died on the cross? The scripture tells us that Jesus committed no sin and yet He took upon Himself our punishment, went to the cross and died for us so that we could be forgiven of our sins and have eternal life.  With Christmas just around the corner keep in mind that is why Jesus came as the baby in the manger. The cross was His destiny. The angels announced His birth, the wise men worshipped Him and gave Him awesome gifts, the shepherd's visited Him in wonder and Mary pondered all the things that had happened at the birth of her son Jesus Christ the Messiah. Always remember that Jesus is the reason for the season and to keep Christ in Christmas for without Christ there would be no Christmas. Recently I filled in for a pastor when he was absent from his church. It was the first Sunday of Advent, the Sunday of “Hope.” For my text I used the scripture, May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13 NIV) That is my prayer for you for the coming year.

Lena's & Lela's 50th Birthday

About Saddness and Joy

The other day I was very sad and tears flowed unbidden down my face.  In the mist of my sadness, I turned to my Lord and my Savior Jesus Christ.  I have thought about the chorus, "He has made me glad.  I will rejoice for He has made me glad.” Even though I was sad, I realized that God had filled me with joy. There is the joy of having a personal relationship with Him. There's the joy of serving Him - praying with people on an individual basis as I have met them in stores, parking lots, in church, etc.  There's the joy of leading Worship at Liza's House and leading prayer meeting and healing services at my church. I understood that God has provided a balance in my life - even though I was overwhelmed with sadness, He had filled my heart with joy.